Pursuing an MBA is a significant decision that can shape one's career trajectory and personal growth. For many professionals, it represents an opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and open doors to exciting opportunities. In this article, Dr. Andrej Ivankovic will share his Executive MBA in Space Architecture journey at TU Wien, highlighting the key factors that influenced his decision and the invaluable experiences he gained along the way.

Why did I choose a postgraduate course?

The choice of a postgraduate course was primarily driven by the desire to expose myself to a new field and environment. This meant for me equally acquiring new skills and meeting other professionals with a different background than mine. As I’ve previously obtained a technical PhD, I decided to pursue a business degree to gain a different perspective and broaden my understanding in business development and ideally combine it with my previous technical management experience.

How did I go about choosing the right program for me?

I was very excited to have found the TU Wien Executive MBA Space Architecture as it touched me in a personal way. I’ve always been fascinated by aeronautics, but due to life circumstances, have never come across an opportunity to pursue this field. This program enabled me to follow my personal passion while reaching professional goals.

What were the decisive factors for my choice of TU Wien?

Really the key factors were the topic itself, as in the aeronautics itself and the interesting structure of the program behind, but also the practical aspect of the program being part-time and accessible to full time working professionals. Of course, in addition, the credibility of TU Wien as a globally recognized university helped with the decision.

How long did the decision-making process ultimately take?

In practice, the intention was present in my mind for years, whereas I was regularly searching for adequate programs, mostly across Europe and USA. However, it only really clicked once I found the Space Architecture EMBA. From the moment I saw the program, it took only a week to actually apply. Motivation is big and it can go fast when you feel like you found the right fit.

What was the biggest challenge in the application process?

Full honest disclosure, the most challenging part of the application process was the motivation letter. Administrative documents are never easy to collect, but the letter of motivation provides the reader and insight into your personal motivation and a glimpse into your life. It’s not about the length of the motivation letter, but how to effectively and passionately transfer your thoughts in a summarized enough text and not overexplaining your excitement.

Does your employer support you with your further training? If yes, what is the biggest support for you?

My employer does not directly support my MBA, financially or with extra allowed time, but acknowledges my effort for self-development by including me in other internal company programs for ambitious employees.

What specific professional goals did you want to achieve through the Executive MBA?

Essentially learn about the State of the Art developments in Aeronautics and related industry, acquire fundamental business knowledge and establish a global network in this domain.

Have new synergies emerged in your professional life, e.g. through networking with other participants? If yes, which ones?

I can clearly say that regardless of the program itself, I am learning in every course from my colleagues as well, from their different way of thinking, approach to problem solving and overall diversity in how to drive topics to a solution.

What new skills or knowledge did you acquire during the program that you were able to apply in your current job?

As I am still in the first third of the EMBA, I can state that so far a great fundamental insight was given on the state of the Space industry which enabled me to interact on the same level with experienced members in that industry. Indirectly, this enabled me to kick start new topics in my current job and start discussion on possibilities of the company further engaging this industry.

To what extent has continuing education, specifically your participation in our Executive MBA, influenced your career?

At the moment, the influence is visible in the network growth and it has enabled me to motivate discussions within this field within my own company. Future opportunities will by the end of the EMBA program will certainly only grow.

In your opinion, how important is continuous professional development for career advancement?

It is very important to stay up to date with the fast pace of change in the world. Sometimes this means acquiring the latest knowledge within a functional domain and sometimes it could mean learning new ways of doing business or how to use new business tools.

What advice would you give your younger self when it comes to getting ahead professionally?

Don’t be afraid to try new things. As well as investing in yourself through education always pays off in the end.

How did you manage to balance the demands of the program with your work commitments?

It’s certainly a higher workload to balance daily work and the EMBA program, however with good planning, adjustments and motivation, everything is possible. It’s most important to have a clear separation in mind, when daily work stops and EMBA work begins. Both deserve your full attention. Part of it is also recognizing when you need a break and taking that break to recharge your batteries.

Were there any particular modules that were particularly relevant or valuable to your career?

The “Space Architecture” module was a personal passion and highly insightful module relating to business in the new frontier.

What were your considerations before starting the MBA? Is good private time management & consultation with the employer sufficient to defuse multiple burdens?

Everyone is a different situation, but clearly an agreement needs to reached with your personal surrounding and employer. There has to be a level of understanding that goes both ways. Doing an MBA does not come for free and it is usually not possible to just add the MBA to your regular life.

What was the biggest challenge in the MBA in terms of family & job?

Finding the right time to rest vs. keeping my personal life active and daily work. Sometimes the brain is excited to work, but the body is tired. It’s also a continuous learning how to manage yourself and what your needs are.

Would you do anything differently today?

Nothing major. Just keep the passion alive and keep going.

What advice would you give to new participants with multiple responsibilities?

Don’t be afraid to try new things and to step out of your comfort zones. If you are interested in the MBA and the topics behind, don’t think too much and go for it. You don’t need to plan everything upfront, many adjustments you will make on the way.

Did you find out about support measures in advance with regard to financing?

I did check upfront for any possibilities for financing with my employer and scholarship opportunities from various organizations and TU Wien itself.

What was particularly important to you in terms of financing?

The possibility to apply for a scholarship and certainly the fact that there is a tax deduction down the road.

How did you go about researching (international) further education opportunities?

The main guidance was the quality of the MBA program. Secondary were then the practical aspects like distance and possibility to attend the MBA while working a full-time job.

Was Vienna an option for you as a training location right from the start? If so, why?

Yes, in my case Vienna was a great location as I already live in Austria. This only added to the feasibility of attending. Furthermore, Vienna is an amazing global city with a rich history, which is inspiring on its own.

What is important for you when organizing travel for attendance appointments at TU Wien?

In practice, knowing upfront the program schedule, exact days an hours, preferably months upfront, if not the whole program, is critical for good planning.

How did you personally organize your travel arrangements?

Personally, I go by car or train, which is about 4h travel time.

What is/was the biggest challenge for you?

Finding adequate accommodation for every MBA session in Vienna. The sooner the program schedule is known, the easier to find the right accommodation, both in terms of location and price.

What would you do differently with your current knowledge?

I would book all accommodation even a year upfront, with possibility of cancellation. The prices can be significantly different when booking early and the more practical locations are available. Last minute sometimes pays off but is not a sustainable approach.

Could you imagine staying in Vienna after completing the MBA?

I certainly can. A great city and overall atmosphere, great work-life balance opportunities while being well connected globally.

How did you use the cultural diversity and international exchange within your cohort to strengthen your intercultural competencies?

It is always very interesting and insightful to learn from other cultures, different ways of thinking and approaches to problem solving, communication etc. You learn to respect diversity even more and at the same time how to keep an effective interaction going both in case of agreements and disagreements.

What recommendations or advice would you give to other international students who are considering doing a part-time Executive MBA program in another country?

Do it :). It will open up a world of experiences and opportunities.

My top 3 "pros" that speak in favor of an Executive MBA at TU Wien are...

1. Great combination of functional fields and business knowledge

2. Part Time option, with possibility to spend time in a fantastic city

3. Friendly environment and sincerely motivated staff

Discover the Future of Space Exploration

Are you driven by a passion for space architecture and the future of extraterrestrial habitation? Join us for an extraordinary learning journey with TU Wien Academy and Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture, hosted at the University of Houston's SICSA campus from September 18 - 26, 2024.

Explore the interdisciplinary world of Space Architecture and Habitat Design through an array of lectures, workshops, and company visits. Connect with international experts and academics in this immersive experience that takes you to the forefront of designing for extreme environments, both on Earth and beyond.

Learn more: Learning Journey Space Architecture | Houston